Hiya Kati, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I think music decided it was a thing for me rather than it being my decision. Since I can remember, music has been a huge part of my life, I remember singing along to a hit CD in my spare room at 7, pretending I was in a music video with the girls I saw on screen. I think I knew I always wanted that to be me, but deciding I was actually going to pursue my dreams, I’d say around 2 years ago is when I started putting in the work to really make it a reality.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
I’m a singer-songwriter from England, I like to think I have a unique sound that blends elements of pop and R&B, with my main influences coming from the likes of Ariana Grande, Madison Beer & Sabrina Carpenter. My debut single, “shouldn’t i?”, connected with listeners on a deep emotional level, setting the stage for what’s to come. Since then, I’ve released 2 further singles, “waitin on u” and “ain’t my fault”, with plenty plans to release even more music this year, delving into topics such as mental health and being comfortable with my sexuality, with “Time’s Up” being the start of an exciting new era for me.
What’s the live music scene like in Yorkshire right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
It’s brilliant, I love the music scene up north. Every other bar has a live singer, and I even sing myself. I love that the north are taking it upon themselves to create music despite being told they have to be in London to make it happen. Some of my favourite artists from the north right now are Bethany Grace and Chloe Charlotte.
I’ve seen a lot of people struggling for support recently online. What’s your view on the industry?
The industry is ever changing, for me it’s all about adapting. It’s really hard out there as an independent artist, taking on so many roles. But in my opinion there’s sometimes no better way to do it. You learn so much about yourself as well as the industry from taking charge and being independent.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I’m definitely still a newcomer, but I do have some die hard fans out there which makes me so happy. I recently hosted my first fan event in London where we all listened to music, played games and had so much fun. I was baffled that so many people took the time out of their day to come and see me sing. It was so nice to put names to faces too. This year is going to be huge for me though, so expect a step up!
Tell us two truths and a lie about you.
I’m a Pisces, my first song was written at 12, my favourite food is noodles…
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
Yes. I feel that people are so much more conscious of the things we consume, which is brilliant. It means that brands and artists need to ensure their promotion and ethics are in line with what they believe in. But it does sometimes cause some anxiety that making a mistake, which we all do, can cost me my career. Making people aware of their mistakes is absolutely crucial in todays society, however with the online tools that we now have, it can sometimes do more detriment than good, context dependant of course. I try to preach kindness and open kindness as much as possible, none of us are perfect and were all still learning.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If not, why not?
There’s NO WAY that aliens aren’t real. Are you telling me that in this huge galaxy of ours, there’s no other beings out there that have developed intelligent life? We’ve got to be silly really. I try not to think about it too much though because it scares me how much we don’t know.
What was your best experience on stage?
My first ever headline gig, seeing people singing my songs back to me was such a surreal experience, knowing that everyone had planned to be there, picked out their outfits, brought gifts and just wanted to be there. It’s surreal and I don’t think ill ever get over it.
What was your worst experience on stage?
A fight broke out right in front of my face once, it was more fear for all my equipment haha.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I do aerial, which if you don’t know is basically acrobatics on silks and hoops, it’s so much fun and I’m still a beginner but I’d love to incorporate that into my music somehow, maybe in an upcoming music video!
What are the next steps you plan to take to reach the next level?
Hopefully an EP, I’d love to release one this year. To be able to create a whole body of work with a story around it that feels authentic to me would be a dream, and then a mini tour to go with it. Watch this space.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes! “Time’s Up” has just come out and I’m so so excited about this single. It’s a bold anthem of empowerment, confronting the end of a relationship, embracing strength and confidence in the aftermath, calling time on the relationship & on feeling unworthy of love.
What was the recording process like?
So much fun! We wrote and recorded the song in 2 days from nothing. The writing process came quite naturally, with credits to Nardean (my producer) for her insane talent. My favourite memory from the process was just how much we laughed. We both just understood each other, stacking harmonies over and over again whilst giggling to ourselves was the best therapy.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
I think I’ve recently learned that I need to not be afraid to talk about the harder things in my music. A pop girly banger is something that everyone loves, but I’m ready to get a bit more emotional with my writing I think.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Never! Everything’s a learning curve which I’ll take into future projects with me.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Gear up, for those of you who have been with me since the start, prepare to see me take things to the next level. You’re not ready for what’s to come. I’m so excited !!!!
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